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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

What is the restorative and esthetic dentistry term?

Quick, free restorative dentistry terminology quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Flaurice Flynn Sto. DomingoUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a dentistry quiz on a dark blue background

This quiz helps you identify the restorative and esthetic dentistry term used in practice and check key basics like shade matching and how restorations rebuild form and function. If you want a deeper refresh, try our dental anatomy quiz or practice shade selection with the composite resin shades quiz. Get instant feedback and learn at your own pace.

What term is most commonly used to describe restorative and esthetic dentistry?
Prosthetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry
Restorative dentistry
Aesthetic dentistry
The term "cosmetic dentistry" is widely used to refer to dental procedures that improve the appearance of teeth and gums, often encompassing both restorative and esthetic techniques. It covers procedures such as veneers, bonding, and whitening to enhance smile aesthetics. Dental professionals and patients commonly use this term to describe smile makeover treatments. .
What is the primary goal of cosmetic dentistry?
Enhance tooth appearance
Improve chewing efficiency
Align the bite
Treat periodontal disease
Cosmetic dentistry focuses primarily on improving the appearance of teeth, including their color, shape, size, and alignment. While functional benefits can arise, the main objective is esthetic enhancement. Procedures like whitening, veneers, and bonding are selected for visual results. .
Which material is most commonly used for esthetic veneers?
Gold foil
Stainless steel
Porcelain
Amalgam
Porcelain is favored for veneers due to its excellent translucency, strength, and color stability. It closely mimics natural enamel and resists staining over time. Porcelain veneers require minimal tooth reduction and deliver durable esthetic results. .
What is the common term for the professional chemical process used to lighten teeth?
Fluoridation
Polishing
Bleaching
Scaling
Bleaching involves the use of peroxide-based agents to break down pigmented molecules in enamel and dentin, resulting in tooth whitening. It is the most widely used method for professional tooth whitening. In-office and at-home bleaching protocols both depend on this chemical reaction. .
Which design ratio is often applied in smile aesthetics to define the proportional widths of anterior teeth?
Golden proportion
Bronze formula
Fibonacci sequence
Silver ratio
The golden proportion describes harmonious relationships between tooth widths, where each tooth is approximately 62% the width of its adjacent tooth when viewed from the front. It is used as a guideline in smile design. Although not strictly adhered to in every case, it provides a mathematical basis for esthetic planning. .
Which shade guide is most commonly used for selecting tooth color in cosmetic procedures?
Munsell
Pantone
RGB Color System
VITA Classical
The VITA Classical shade guide is the industry standard for dental shade matching, offering a systematic arrangement of tooth colors. It allows clinicians to select the closest shade to a patient's natural teeth. More advanced guides, like VITA 3D-Master, build on this foundation. .
Which adhesive protocol requires a separate acid-etch step before applying primer and bond?
Glass ionomer
Etch-and-rinse
Self-etch
No-etch
The etch-and-rinse adhesive system involves phosphoric acid etching of enamel and dentin, rinsing the acid away, then applying primer and adhesive. This method ensures micromechanical retention in enamel. It remains a gold standard for predictable bonding results. .
Shade matching in composite restorations is primarily referred to as what?
Tone analysis
Color grading
Shade selection
Hue mapping
Shade selection involves choosing the correct composite resin color that matches the patient's natural dentition. It considers hue, chroma, and value factors. Proper selection is critical for seamless esthetic results. .
What type of restoration covers the entire anatomic crown of a tooth?
Veneer
Onlay
Crown
Inlay
A dental crown encases the entire visible portion of a prepared tooth, providing strength and full coverage. Crowns are used for both restorative and esthetic purposes, especially when significant tooth structure is lost. They can be made from porcelain, metal, or ceramic materials. .
Which restoration is characterized by minimal tooth reduction on the facial surface of anterior teeth?
Veneer
Onlay
Crown
Inlay
Porcelain or composite veneers require only slight enamel reduction, preserving most tooth structure while improving esthetics. They are bonded to the facial surface of anterior teeth. Veneers correct discoloration, shape, and minor alignment issues. .
Which professional title is often used by dentists focusing on cosmetic procedures?
Oral surgeon
Periodontist
Endodontist
Cosmetic dentist
Dentists who emphasize esthetic improvements of smiles often use the title "cosmetic dentist." While not an official specialty recognized by all dental boards, it indicates a focus on procedures like whitening, veneers, and bonding. Many cosmetic dentists also hold accreditation from the AACD. .
What minimally invasive technique uses a mild acid and abrasive slurry to remove superficial enamel stains?
Air-powder polishing
Ultrasonic scaling
Enamel microabrasion
Prophylaxis paste polishing
Enamel microabrasion combines an acidic solution (usually hydrochloric acid) with an abrasive agent to gently remove superficial discoloration. It is used for mild fluorosis and stain removal without significant tooth structure loss. The procedure enhances enamel appearance in a single visit. .
What layering technique is used to mimic the optical properties of enamel and dentin in composite restorations?
Condensation
Stratification
Infiltration
Polymerization
Stratification involves applying composite layers of different opacities and shades to replicate enamel and dentin. This technique enhances depth, translucency, and natural appearance. It requires knowledge of optical properties and careful handling. .
Which procedure smooths and refines composite restorations after polymerization?
Etching
Polishing
Curing
Bonding
Polishing removes surface irregularities and produces a high-gloss finish on composite restorations. It reduces plaque accumulation and improves esthetics. Special polishing pastes and rubber instruments are used. .
What magnification tool do many cosmetic dentists use to enhance precision?
Endoscope
Dental loupes
Telescope
Periscope
Dental loupes provide magnification (typically 2.5x to 4.5x) for improved visualization during esthetic procedures. They help in detailed work such as margin refinement and precise bonding. Many dentists also pair loupes with LED headlamps. .
Which digital tool allows patients to preview their new smile design?
Digital Smile Design
Panoramic radiograph
Intraoral mirror
CBCT scan
Digital Smile Design (DSD) uses digital photography and software to simulate esthetic changes before treatment. It enhances communication between clinician and patient. DSD helps plan veneer placement, tooth contouring, and gingival changes. .
What term is often used interchangeably with cosmetic dentistry by professionals?
Biological dentistry
Restorative endodontics
Endodontic dentistry
Esthetic dentistry
Esthetic dentistry is the professional term for treatments aimed at improving dental appearance, covering procedures similar to cosmetic dentistry. Regulatory bodies often prefer the term esthetic over cosmetic. Both terms denote enhancement of color, shape, and alignment. .
Which organization awards accreditation in cosmetic dentistry?
American Association of Endodontists
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
American Academy of Periodontology
American Board of Orthodontics
The AACD is the leading organization that offers accreditation to qualified cosmetic dentists after rigorous examination and case submissions. Accreditation denotes high standards of clinical skill and ethics. It is internationally recognized in esthetic dentistry. .
In smile aesthetics, the 'esthetic zone' primarily refers to which area?
Anterior teeth region
Lingual surfaces
Alveolar bone crest
Posterior occlusal surfaces
The esthetic zone covers the visible anterior teeth and surrounding gingiva displayed when smiling. It is critical in treatment planning for veneers, crowns, and orthodontics. Attention to this zone ensures a pleasing smile line and harmony with lips. .
Which acid concentration is typically used to etch enamel before bonding veneers?
10% citric acid
15% EDTA
37% phosphoric acid
5% acetic acid
Thirty-seven percent phosphoric acid is the standard concentration for enamel etching, creating microporosities for micromechanical retention. It is applied briefly and then rinsed thoroughly. This step is critical for veneer bonding success. .
What term describes the space between adjacent teeth?
Embrasure
Sulcus
Fossa
Diastema
A diastema is a gap or space between two adjacent teeth, most commonly the maxillary central incisors. It can be closed with veneers, bonding, or orthodontics. Esthetic dentistry addresses diastemas to improve smile harmony. .
Which polymerization method is most common for light-cured composite resins?
Visible light activation (blue light)
Self-curing
Dual curing
Heat curing
Visible light activation using LED lights (around 450 - 490 nm) is the standard for polymerizing composite resins in esthetic dentistry. It provides control over working time and depth of cure. Light-cured composites allow layering and immediate finishing. .
An inlay restoration fabricated outside the mouth is classified as what type?
Provisional restoration
Direct restoration
Temporary lining
Indirect restoration
Indirect restorations, such as inlays, are fabricated in a dental laboratory or milling unit based on impressions or scans and then cemented into the tooth. They offer precise fit and superior material properties. Inlays conserve more tooth structure than full crowns. .
Which optical property is most important for the lifelike appearance of dental ceramics?
Opacity
Translucency
Gloss
Reflectivity
Translucency allows light to pass through and scatter within ceramic materials, mimicking natural enamel. Appropriate translucency is key to blending restorations with surrounding teeth. Too much or too little translucency can reveal margins or appear unnatural. .
In smile design, the incisal plane should parallel which facial line?
Occlusal plane
Interpupillary line
Horizontal commissure line
Lower lip curvature
The incisal edges of the maxillary anterior teeth should parallel the lower lip at rest to create a harmonious smile. This alignment enhances the natural esthetic appearance. It is a fundamental guideline in smile design. .
What is the function of silane coupling agents in ceramic bonding?
Increase ceramic translucency
Act as a disinfectant
Etch the ceramic surface
Enhance chemical bond between ceramic and resin
Silane coupling agents form chemical bridges between silica in the ceramic surface and the methacrylate groups in resin cements. This improves bond strength and durability. They are essential in the protocol for bonding glass-based ceramics. .
Which laser is frequently used for esthetic gingival contouring?
Nd:YAG laser
Er:YAG laser
CO2 laser
Diode laser
Diode lasers are popular for gingival recontouring due to their compact size, affordability, and precise soft tissue cutting with minimal bleeding. They target pigmented tissue and provide good patient comfort. Diode lasers expedite esthetic crown lengthening procedures. .
What does 'biocompatibility' mean in the context of dental materials?
Compatibility with oral tissues without adverse effects
Ability to withstand occlusal forces
Resistance to bacterial colonization
Capacity for color stability
Biocompatibility refers to a material's ability to perform with an appropriate host response in a specific application. Dental materials must not cause toxicity, inflammation, or allergic reactions. They should integrate without harming tissues. .
Which instrument is typically used to check proximal contact tightness after restoration placement?
Periodontal probe
Explorer
Dental floss
Mouth mirror
Passing dental floss through the contact area tests the tightness and uniformity of proximal contacts after restoration. Proper contact prevents food impaction and maintains gingival health. Floss tension provides tactile feedback to the clinician. .
What process creates a diagnostic mock-up of proposed esthetic changes before treatment?
Trial bonding
Freehand composite mock-up
Digital scanning
Wax-up
A diagnostic wax-up involves creating a wax restoration on a stone model to visualize proposed changes in tooth shape and alignment. It guides preparation and provisional fabrication. Patients can see potential outcomes before clinical intervention. .
What molecular change occurs in composite resin during polymerization that leads to shrinkage?
Oxidation of polymer chains
Hydrolysis of ester linkages
Crosslinking of filler particles
Conversion of carbon-carbon double bonds to single bonds
Polymerization shrinkage results from methacrylate monomers converting C=C double bonds into C - C single bonds, drawing polymer chains closer together. This volumetric change can produce stress at the tooth - restoration interface. Understanding this mechanism helps in selecting placement techniques to minimize shrinkage stress. .
Which parameter specifically quantifies the depth a curing light can polymerize a composite material?
Flexural strength
Depth of cure
Shore hardness
Modulus of elasticity
Depth of cure measures how deep into the composite the curing light can sufficiently polymerize the resin. It is determined according to ISO standards by scraping uncured material after light exposure. Clinicians use it to decide increment thickness. .
What term describes the penetration of oral fluids and bacteria at the interface of a restoration?
Abrasion
Microleakage
Attrition
Corrosion
Microleakage refers to fluid, bacterial, and molecular penetration along the interface between a restorative material and tooth structure. It can lead to secondary caries, sensitivity, and restoration failure. Proper bonding and marginal adaptation reduce microleakage risk. .
Which filler characteristic in composite resins tends to improve polishability but may reduce mechanical strength?
High aspect ratio fibers
Zirconia fillers
Microfilled particles
Glass ionomer cores
Microfilled composites contain very small silica particles that allow a high-gloss finish and superior polish retention. However, the lower filler loading typically reduces compressive and flexural strength compared to hybrid or nanohybrid composites. They remain popular for anterior restorations. .
What placement technique can reduce polymerization stress in composite restorations?
Sonication
Incremental layering
Dual cure
Bulk fill
Incremental layering involves placing and curing composite in thin layers (usually ?2 mm) to reduce the total volume undergoing polymerization at once. This technique decreases shrinkage stress and improves marginal adaptation. It also ensures adequate cure depth. .
The critical surface energy of enamel affects which aspect of adhesive bonding?
Light transmission
Polymerization rate
Thermal expansion
Wetting by the adhesive
Surface energy determines how well a liquid adhesive spreads and wets a solid substrate. High-energy enamel surfaces after acid etching allow adhesives to flow into microporosities, creating strong micromechanical bonds. Proper wetting is crucial for bond durability. .
Which digital technology enables the fabrication of same-day ceramic restorations?
Digital radiography
CAD/CAM milling
Cone beam CT
Photogrammetry
Chairside CAD/CAM systems scan prepared teeth intraorally, design restorations with software, and mill ceramic blocks on-site. This workflow allows for fabrication and placement of crowns or veneers in a single appointment. It improves efficiency and patient convenience. .
What phenomenon describes the scattering of light that leads to a bluish appearance at restoration margins?
Rayleigh scattering
Tyndall effect
Diffraction
Reflection
The Tyndall effect is light scattering by particles in a colloid or fine suspension, causing a blue cast at the margin of composite restorations. It occurs when resin tags or microgaps scatter shorter (blue) wavelengths. Awareness of this effect is important for shade selection. .
Which acid is used to etch feldspathic porcelain surfaces before bonding?
Phosphoric acid
Nitric acid
Citric acid
Hydrofluoric acid
Hydrofluoric acid selectively dissolves glassy matrix in feldspathic porcelain, creating a micro-roughened surface for micromechanical retention. It is applied at low concentrations and rinsed thoroughly. Silane coupling agents are then used to enhance chemical bonding. .
What is the recommended minimum thickness for a direct composite occlusal restoration without cuspal coverage?
3 mm
1 mm
4 mm
2 mm
A minimum of 2 mm composite thickness is recommended for occlusal restorations to ensure adequate strength and reduce wear. Thinner increments may not withstand occlusal forces or cure completely. Proper layering and curing protocols maintain restoration integrity. .
After 10 years in function, approximate survival rates for porcelain veneers are closest to:
50%
60%
75%
90%
Long-term studies report survival rates for porcelain veneers around 90% at 10 years, depending on patient factors and bonding protocols. Failures are often due to fracture or debonding. Proper case selection and adhesive technique are critical. .
Which mechanical property describes a material's resistance to crack propagation in brittle materials like ceramics?
Fracture toughness
Compressive strength
Flexural modulus
Tensile strength
Fracture toughness quantifies a brittle material's ability to resist crack growth under stress. Higher values indicate better resistance to catastrophic failure. It is a key parameter when evaluating all-ceramic restorations. .
Which color measurement system is commonly used for objective shade determination in dentistry?
CIELAB
RGB
Pantone
CMYK
The CIELAB color space quantifies color in three coordinates (L*, a*, b*) allowing objective assessment of shade differences. It is widely used in spectrophotometers and colorimeters for dental shade matching. This system reflects human vision more accurately than RGB. .
Which in vitro test simulates cyclic loading to assess restoration longevity under chewing forces?
Wear testing
Fatigue testing
Hardness testing
Static load testing
Fatigue testing applies repetitive cycles of loading to a restored tooth or material specimen to simulate masticatory forces over time. It helps predict long-term performance and failure modes. Results guide material selection for high-stress restorations. .
Why is matching the refractive index between composite resin matrix and filler important?
It reduces radiopacity
It minimizes light scattering and enhances translucency
It improves chemical bond strength
It increases polymerization shrinkage
When the refractive indices of the resin matrix and filler particles are similar, less light is scattered at the interface, resulting in improved translucency and esthetics. This optical match mimics natural enamel behavior. Manufacturers optimize filler and resin chemistry for this purpose. .
Which silane coupling agent is most commonly used for resin - ceramic bonding in esthetic dentistry?
Bis-GMA silane
3-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS)
Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)
Glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS)
3-MPS contains methacrylate functional groups that co-polymerize with resin matrices and alkoxy groups that bond to silica in ceramics. It is the standard silane for enhancing resin - ceramic adhesion. Proper application and hydrolysis improve bond durability. .
In Digital Smile Design (DSD), aligning the dental midline to which facial reference ensures symmetry?
Interpupillary line
Occlusal plane
Facial midline through glabella and philtrum
Camper's plane
Aligning the dental midline with the facial midline (drawn through the glabella and philtrum) ensures balanced tooth positioning relative to facial features. This alignment is a key principle in DSD for esthetic outcomes. Deviation can lead to perceptible asymmetry. .
What role do adhesion promoters play in self-etch adhesive systems?
Act as polymerization initiators
Release fluoride to prevent caries
Chemically interact with hydroxyapatite to improve bond strength
Increase the viscosity of the adhesive
In self-etch systems, functional monomers act as adhesion promoters by partially demineralizing and chemically bonding to residual hydroxyapatite. This dual etch-and-prime approach enhances bond strength and reduces postoperative sensitivity. The result is a stable hybrid layer. .
What is the minimum tensile bond strength to dentin considered clinically acceptable for adhesive systems?
30 MPa
5 MPa
17 MPa
2 MPa
Clinical studies suggest that a dentin bond strength of at least 17 MPa is necessary to withstand functional stresses over time. Lower bond strengths are associated with higher rates of microleakage and restoration failure. Adhesive systems are tested to meet or exceed this benchmark. .
Which nanoindentation parameter correlates best with the wear resistance of composite resins?
Thermal conductivity
Refractive index
Density
Hardness to elastic modulus ratio (H/E)
The ratio of hardness to elastic modulus (H/E) indicates a material's ability to resist plastic deformation and absorb energy, correlating with wear resistance. Higher H/E values predict better clinical performance under masticatory loads. This metric guides composite formulation research. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify the Common Term -

    Recall the term commonly used to describe restorative and esthetic dentistry and understand its relevance in modern practice.

  2. Understand Amalgam Mix Quality -

    Explain why a properly triturated amalgam mix should meet specific clinical standards to ensure durability and patient safety.

  3. Describe Restorative Function -

    Clarify how the term restorative describes the ability to repair tooth structure and restore form and function.

  4. Evaluate Composite Resin Shades -

    Demonstrate how ideally composite resin shades should be chosen in order to achieve optimal esthetic integration with natural dentition.

  5. Analyze Ceramic Restoration Materials -

    Compare different ceramic options and assess their properties for use in esthetic restorative procedures.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Esthetic Restorative Dentistry -

    In dentistry, the term commonly used to describe restorative and esthetic dentistry is "esthetic restorative dentistry," highlighting both functional repair and visual harmony. This phrase underscores the dual goal of rebuilding tooth structure while matching natural optical properties, as endorsed by the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. A handy mnemonic: "RESTO + TASTY" (RESTOre and AESTHeyic) to recall the combined approach.

  2. Amalgam Trituration Standards -

    According to the ADA, a properly triturated amalgam mix should be homogenous, with a glossy, slightly oily appearance and no visible spheroids, ensuring optimal condensation and minimal voids. Under- or over-triturated mix leads to decreased strength or increased brittleness, respectively (Official ADA specification No. 1). Remember "O-TRI-O" (Optimal TRItration = Oily, Rounded, Integrity) to check quality.

  3. Core Concept of Restorative Dentistry -

    The term restorative describes the ability to replace or repair damaged tooth structure while restoring function and preventing disease progression, as defined by the Academy of General Dentistry. This includes fillings, crowns, and inlays that must withstand occlusal forces and oral environment challenges. Think "R.I.S.E." (Restore, Integrate, Seal, Endure) to summarize objectives.

  4. Composite Resin Shade Selection -

    Ideally composite resin shades should be chosen in natural daylight or under color-corrected light to match the dehydrated tooth's true hue before isolation, per studies in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. Shade selection in artificial light can lead to mismatches post-hydration and curing due to slight color shifts. Use the "3V Rule" (Value, Vividness, Variety) to guide translucent, enamel, and dentin shade layering.

  5. Ceramic Restoration Flexural Strength -

    All-ceramic restorations' flexural strength is often calculated with σ = 3FL / (2bd²), where F is fracture load, L is support span, b is specimen width, and d is thickness; sources include the Journal of Dental Research. High-strength ceramics like zirconia (900 - 1,200 MPa) offer excellent durability but require precise adhesion protocols for long-term success. Remember "3F2b2d" formula clue to ace your materials exam!

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